See the effects of U.S. policy firsthand, learn about
positive alternatives from communities at the frontlines, gain the knowledge
and skills necessary to advocate.

Many of the civilians murdered or displaced by paramilitary
forces- sometimes, with the aid of Colombia's armed forces and School of the America's
trained soldiers- are family farmers. While claiming to fight narcotics and guerrillas,
paramilitaries and the Colombian government have driven subsistence farmers off
their land to make way for agribusiness. Despite death threats, some displaced
people have returned in a nonviolent effort to regain their stolen lands. The
recently passed free trade agreement between Colombia and the United States now
makes it easier for illegally obtained lands to remain in the hands of wealthy investors.

What to Expect:

Half the time, we will be in Bogotá where the climate is cool
and comfortable. We will meet political analysts, human rights defenders and
government officials. The rest of the time, we will visit humanitarian zones in Urabá (the region near Panama)
in the states of Antioquia and Chocó. This trip can be physically challenging:
Participants must be capable of hiking with their gear in a climate that is hot and humid. However it is worth
it to meet with community members and learn about their lives and how they have
created such courageous communities. (Witness for Peace is careful about
security. Therefore, the possibility always exists that our exact destination
will change.)